Technician Arrested Over Drug Concealment

A technician, Iwegbunam Ebele, is in custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over some wraps of cocaine packaged as baby powder and discovered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The drug had been prepared to be sent as an unaccompanied luggage to Gabon on Askye Airline, the agency said.

According to NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the luggage in which the drug was discovered also contained artificial hair, perfumes and artificial nails.

Ofoyeju said, “Investigation has so far revealed that the suspect was recruited by a drug cell based in Gabon. They experimented with three shipments before decided to introduce drugs.

“The agency was able to trace them and efforts are ongoing to track down members of the gang. The suspect hails from Anambra State.”

The suspect said during interrogation that he was not aware that the packs of powder contained cocaine.

Ebele said, “I was given N130,000 by my childhood friend to buy female hair attachment, artificial nails and the perfume. I was supposed to make N30,000 after the purchase and shipment.

“I thought it was good business. But after I bought the items, my friend called me and said somebody would give me some baby powder to add to the consignment.

“The person contacted me and I got the items that were supposed to be baby powder but they were discovered to be drugs when the luggage was searched.”

The suspect, who explained that he specialised in repairing air-conditioners, said he had sent goods to his friend on three previous occasions.

NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said his officers had become more vigilant and would make the airport difficult for drug trafficking.

“We have a policy of physical examination of goods at the airport. It was in the process of our search that the cocaine was discovered. We are happy with the seizure and arrest. Investigation will soon be completed,” he said.